Chris Brown released, assault charge reduced to a misdemeanor

Christie D'Zurilla

Chris Brown saw a felony charge of assault reduced to a misdemeanor Monday afternoon when he appeared in a Washington, D.C., courtroom after spending time in jail following an altercation early Sunday morning.

The R&B singer and his bodyguard, Christopher Hollosy, were released on their own recognizance Monday after appearing in court, Pop & Hiss reported. Brown did not enter a plea during his appearance.

The count stems from an incident that occurred around 4:30 a.m. Sunday outside the W hotel, just a few blocks from a club where Brown had been hosting an event.

The alleged victim, who was transported to a nearby hospital after the altercation, told police he was trying to "photobomb" a picture Brown was taking with two women when the singer and he exchanged words and Breezy allegedly hit him in the face with a closed fist. Though previous reports said the man's nose was broken, the police report said the man suffered swelling and bruising to his nasal area, Pop & Hiss reported.

(The felony was reportedly reduced to a misdemeanor based on the extent of the man's injuries.)

Brown and company, on the other hand, told police that the women and the man were trying to get on the tour bus, saying the bodyguard acted to prevent a trespass.

Brown faces up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted in D.C. He also could be looking at a probation violation in Los Angeles, if it's determined he didn't obey all laws, according to L.A. Now -- which could have him looking at up to four years behind bars, stemming from his 2009 felony assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna. The L.A. County district attorney's office will reportedly review the reports out of D.C.

Watch the video above to see the circus that awaited the singer as he left court. He's due to meet with his L.A. probation officer within 48 hours, and has a date in D.C. court on Nov. 25, the Monday of Thanksgiving week.